Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we will offer our opinions on the best Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems).
Music lovers living on the Western Slope may not have hallmark venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre or Mission Ballroom that bring nationally touring acts to town year-round. But in the summer months, mountain towns come alive with the sound of live music and one of my favorite ways to see it is weekly – for free.
Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride all host free, al fresco concert series throughout the summer and the towns alternate days and months to ensure local fans and visitors can hit them all. Big B’s Orchard in Paonia also offers a stacked music lineup with many free shows plus others that require a ticket.
So whether you’re planning a vacation on the Western Slope or just passing through on a road trip, here’s a guide to getting the most headbang for your buck.
Montrose
The Montrose Summer Music Series brings shows to the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater at Cerise Park on the first Friday of the month, June through September. The 2024 lineup features rootsy soul band Bywater Call on June 7, country musician Cody Hibbard on July 5, Memphis blues act Southern Avenue on Aug. 2 and New Orleans-infused Honey Island Swamp Band on Sept. 6. Each band has an opener that kicks off that show at 6 p.m. and music typically runs until well after dark.
The massive, grassy amphitheater, which opened in 2022, is nestled within a large park that runs along the Uncompahgre River through downtown, an apt place to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. (There’s a disc golf course there, too, if you’re into that sort of thing.) Lawn chairs and blankets are welcomed; however, dogs and coolers must stay at home. Local restaurants, food trucks and alcohol vendors set up shop to satisfy your cravings.
Concerts are free to attend and parking is available off Chipeta Road north of the venue. (Google “Montrose Dog Park” to locate the lot.) Find more information by looking up Montrose Summer Music Series on Facebook.
Ouray
On Thursday nights in June, locals flock to Ouray’s Mountain Air Music Series, which pops up at Fellin Park (1001 US-550, Ouray). It’s a favorite not only for attendees but also for bands, who get to play against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. In fact, you get 360-degree mountain views from the lawn-turned-dance floor.
This year the lineup include Colorado’s own Hazel Miller & The Collective (June 6), folksy tunes from Sam Burchfield paired with electronic flute pop from Pip the Pansy (June 13), rootsy trio Stillhouse Junkies and Oregon country band Never come Down (June 20), and country singer Rob Leines (June 27).
Local vendors sell libations and food, and additional restaurants are within walking distance of the venue. Dogs are allowed, but be mindful of how yours will react in a loud and busy environment. And don’t forget to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, as well as your dancing shoes.
Concerts, which run 6 to 10 p.m., are free to attend and parking is available in a lot adjacent to Fellin Park; however, it’s often so busy parking spills onto the street. Find more information at ouraymusicseries.com.
Paonia
Perhaps you’ve seen cider from Big B’s Delicious Orchards for sale at your local grocery store. But did you know on weekends from May through October, the farm hosts live music to ring through the apple trees?
Many shows, including Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band (June 21) and Peach Street Revival (June 28), are free to attend. However, a select number of bigger performances are ticketed. For example, Texas crooner Shakey Graves comes to the orchard on Aug. 24 for $35.
Big B’s offers tent and RV camping to fans who don’t want to drive after concerts, which usually run from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. See the full calendar along with camping prices at bigbs.com.
Ridgway
In July, Thursday nights belong to live music in Ridgway. The annual Ridgway Concert Series, now in its 17th year, comes to Hartwell Park in the heart of town and typically boasts the most notable free acts of the summer.
The series kicks off on July 4 with eclectic home state heroes DeVotchKa, followed by crooner Paul McDonald on July 11, roots rockers Cordovas on July 18, and Latin-leaning indie band Kiltro on July 25. Each band follows an opener that starts at 6 p.m.
By now you probably know the drill: Local beer and food will be available for purchase onsite, and though the park is quaint, there’s plenty of room to set up lawn chairs and blankets. The area in front of the stage is reserved for the dance floor. Dogs and outside alcohol are prohibited. The shows are free to attend.
Find more information at townofridgway.colorado.gov/i-want-to/ridgway-concert-series.
Telluride
Telluride is known as a music mecca in the summer with a seemingly endless calendar of festivals. But you don’t always need a pass to experience the goods.
During the summer, there are two weekly live music series to satisfy your music cravings. First is the Music on the Green series, which happens every Friday from June 7 to Sept. 6. Featured acts this year include folk duo Dead Horses and foot-stomping swamp rocker Cousin Curtiss. Shows run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Then there’s the Sunset Music Series that takes place on Wednesday nights from June 26 to Aug. 14. The lineup has yet to be announced, but expect bands to play from 6 to 8 p.m. on those days.
Both series take place in what’s known as the village core in Mountain Village, which is a short drive or gondola ride away from the town of Telluride. They’re technically in different locations, however. Music on the Green comes to the plaza near the Madeline Hotel & Residences, while the Sunset Music Series stage is located on a grassy knoll near the top of chairlift 1.
Food and libations are available for sale at both events, and dogs are also permitted. Find more information at telluride.com/event/music-on-the-green-summer-concert-series and telluride.com/event/sunset-music-concert-series, respectively.
